Gravitational potential energy (w) is the energy that an object has due to its position in a gravitational field. If the object is lifted straight up at a steady speed, then the force (F) required to lift it to the height (h) is equal to its weight (mg).
In other words, when an object is lifted to a higher elevation, work is done on it and the energy transferred is stored; the quantity of energy stored is mgh. This stored energy is gravitational potential energy with the relation of w = mg. The term “potential” denotes that this energy has the ‘ability to produce work when the item is lowered. A weight lifted vertically, water stored in a dam, a child at the top of a slide, water flowing from the tap, and a ball held in the air are some gravitational energy examples.
| Gravitational potential energy definition | Gravitational potential energy is the energy an object possesses because of its position in a gravitational field. |
| Gravitational potential energy formula | P.Egrav = weight x height = mgh |
| Daily life examples of gravitational potential energy | A weight lifted vertically, water stored in a dam, a child at the top of a slide, water flowing from the tap, and a ball held in the air are some examples of gravitational energy. |
| Unit of gravitational potential energy | Joule = kg.m2/sec2 |
| Depending on height | The gravitational potential energy of an object is directly proportional to its height above the zero position; doubling the height results in doubling the gravitational potential energy. |
Table of Contents
Gravitational Potential Energy in Simple Terms
Gravitational potential energy is a type of energy that an object has because of its position in a gravitational field. It is the energy that an object possesses due to its height above the ground and the force of gravity acting upon it. The more massive an object is and the greater its height above the ground, the greater its gravitational potential energy.
Think of it as “stored energy” that an object has just by virtue of its position relative to the ground. If the object were to fall, it would convert that potential energy into kinetic energy (the energy of motion) and release it.
In simple terms, gravitational potential energy can be thought of as the energy an object has simply because it is high up, which gives it the potential to fall and do work as it falls.
Here are a few everyday examples of gravitational potential energy:
- A stretched rubber band: When you stretch a rubber band, you are giving it potential energy. This is because you are lifting it against the force of gravity, and if you were to release it, the potential energy would be converted into kinetic energy and the rubber band would fly through the air.
- A raised weight: When you lift a weight at the gym, you are giving it potential energy. The higher you lift the weight, the more potential energy it has, and if you were to drop it, it would convert that energy into kinetic energy.
- A roller coaster: A roller coaster starts at the top of a hill with high gravitational potential energy. As it rolls down the hill, it converts that potential energy into kinetic energy, reaching high speeds at the bottom.
- A raised water tower: A water tower filled with water has potential energy because of its height above the ground. If a pipe were to burst, the water would fall and convert that potential energy into kinetic energy, causing the water to move with force.
These are just a few examples of how we encounter and use gravitational potential energy in our daily lives.
What is work?
Work (W) equals the product of Force (F) and displacement (d) in the direction of the force. It is a scalar quantity with the unit of Joule. Consider an object that is elevated to a height h by a force F. The product of force and displacement would be the work done, which is equivalent to gravitational potential energy.
W = Force (F) x displacement (d)
F = ma (Newton’s second law of motion)
W = mgh (acceleration equals gravity and distance is equal to height)
Units
- Joules (MKS system).
- N.m
- kg*m2/sec2.
Potential energy examples
- A raised weight.
- Pendulum
- Air-filled balloon
- Rubber band.
- A book on a shelf
- The highest point of a roller coaster
- A coiled spring.
- An archer’s bow with the string pulled back.
Can Work Be Negative?
The answer to the question “can work be negative?” is yes.
When a force operating on a body displaces it in the direction of a force, work is done. When a force of 1 Newton is exerted over a distance of 1 meter, the work done by a moving object equals 1 Joule Because the applied force can be either negative or positive, work can also be either negative or positive.
Negative work may be seen in the motion of a body against a force of friction.
What is 1 Joule?
1 Joule is the amount of work done when a force of 1 Newton is applied over a distance of 1 meter.
Joule = N.m
Joule= kg.m2/sec2
Factors On Which Work Depends
- Force acting on the body (F)
- Displacement of the body (d)
- The angle between force and displacement (θ)
Dimensions of Work
F =ma, Therefore, 1N = 1kg x 1m/sec2
[F]=[MLT-2]
W =F x d
[W]=[MLT-2][L] = ML2T-2
Related Topics
Atmospheric Pressure| Definition & Examples
Centripetal Acceleration| 9- Easy Examples
Work-Formula, Definition, & Units
Energy-The Ability to do Work
Frequently Asked Questions
Some of the frequently asked questions are given below
1. Can force be negative?
To answer the question “can force be negative”, we need to understand the concept of positive direction and negative direction.
- Force is negative If the applied force is in opposite direction to the displacement of the moving object.
- Forces that are aimed at the right are usually called positive forces.
- Forces that are aimed to the left are usually said to be in a negative direction.
2. What is instantaneous velocity?
The velocity of an object at any single instant or point is called instantaneous velocity.
It is similar to average velocity, except the time interval is infinitely small.
The formula for instantaneous velocity is the limit as the time approaches zero of the change in displacement over the change in time.
3. What is the momentum equation?
The momentum equation is simply the product of the mass and velocity of a moving object.
If an object is moving and has mass, then it has momentum.
The momentum of a body refers to the quantity of motion a body possesses due to its mass and velocity.
4. What is the kinetic energy formula?
A moving object’s kinetic energy equals half of the product of its mass and its velocity squared.
Because an object’s mass can never be zero and the square of velocity is positive, kinetic energy is always positive.
5. What is the energy definition of science?
In physics, energy is the ability to perform work. It can take many forms, including potential, kinetic, thermal, electrical, chemical, radioactive, and others. Furthermore, there is heat and work—that is, energy in the transmission of energy from one body to another.
6. What is the work-energy equation?
According to the work-energy theorem, the net work done on an item by forces equals the change in its kinetic energy.
Author
Umair Javed
Umair has been working at Whatsinsight since 2020 as a content writer.
He has a Masters degree in Materials Science.
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